March 2016 PWRA Executive Committee report

It recently became apparent that Biggin Hill Airport (BHA) was proposing to change its air traffic routings, which would result in quite large jet aircraft flying over Purley at about 2500ft or less. These proposed changes were not widely promulgated, however adjoining residents’ associations (RA) had heard about them. As a result nine local RAs joined together to put in an objection to BHA’s proposals which would affect some 80,000 people in the south of the borough. The joint RAs’ response was that there are better paths available over less heavily populated areas – the matter is now being considered by BHA.

Another change that required immediate action prior to the March committee meeting was the council’s proposal to increase the fee for businesses to use pavements outside their premises. These proposals, if implemented, would see a rise from a flat rate of £89 per year to around £1,000 a year or more. The PWRA put in an objection to this proposal as it would make it even harder for businesses to survive in Purley town centre – and indeed other similar highstreets around the borough.

Old Lodge Lane was closed for a number of weeks over the Christmas period in order that one of the railway bridges could be replaced. Unfortunatey while Network Rail managed to carry out extensive signalling, point work and other track improvements the replacement of the bridge could not be carried out because of weather problems. It would seem that there is now a proposal to carry out this work over the Christmas/New Year period at the end of this year, which may result in Old Lodge Lane being shut for an even longer period. The PWRA will maintain a watching eye on this and report when there are further developments.